Greek Gods

Zeus

• god of the sky.
• ruler of the gods.
• symbol: Thunderbolt
• Sacred animal: Eagle

Poseidon

• god of the sea.
• brother to zeus and hades.
• symbol: trident.
• Sacred animals: dolphin and horse.

Hades

• god of the underworld.
• oldest brother of zeus and poseidon.
• symbol: Helm of darkness.
• sacred animal: cerberus, his three-headed dog.

hera

• goddess of marriage.
• wife of zeus.
• symbol: pomegranate.
• sacred animals: peacock and cow.

hephaestus

• god of blacksmiths.
• he is the only god with a disability.
• brother to ares.
• symbols: fire, axe, pincers, and a hammer.

aphrodite

• goddess of love.
• wife of Hephaestus.
• symbol: the seashell and the mirror.
• sacred animal: dove.

Ares

• god of war.
• brother of Hephaestus.
• symbol: spear.
• sacred animal: dog.

apollo

• god of music.
• twin brother to artemis.
• symbol: lyre.
• sacred animals: wolf, raven, and lizard.

artemis

• goddess of the hunt.
• twin sister to apollo.
• symbols: bow and pike.
• sacred animals: snake, bear, and deer.

athena

• goddess of wisdom.
• daughter of zeus.
• symbols: spear, distaff, and aegis.
• sacred animal: owl.

hermes

• messenger of the gods.
• god of thieves.
• symbol: caduceus and winged sandals.
• sacred animal: ram.

demeter

• goddess of agriculture and the seasons.
• her daughter, persephone, is the wife of hades.
• symbols: ear of wheat and grains.

assignment:

• why do you think the ancient greeks believed in the gods?
• which god or goddess do you think is the most important?
• which do you think is the least important?